For pitcher Josh Johnson, Condoleezza Rice’s admission as one of the first female members of Augusta National Golf Club brought back memories of his close encounter with the former U.S. Secretary of State on a golf course in January.
Johnson and three friends were about to tee off of after a frost delay at Cypress Point in Pebble Beach when Rice showed up with the Stanford women’s golf team.

Rice’s group was behind Johnson’s foresome, and it was decided that Johnson would tee off first.

“I hit a good drive and she was just standing back there like this,” he said, folding her arms across his chest. “She did not look happy because we were going in front of her.”

When Rice was admitted to Augusta on Monday, one of Johnson’s golfing partners from January called him.

“He said we should have talked to her – or let her play through! One or the other.”

Johnson, avid golfer. said he was happy with Augusta’s decision. “It’s a sign of the times, I think. It’s cool.”